1. Volasertib preclinical activity in high-risk hepatoblastoma.
- Author
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Kats D, Ricker CA, Berlow NE, Noblet B, Nicolle D, Mevel K, Branchereau S, Judde JG, Stiverson CD, Stiverson CL, Svalina MN, Settelmeyer T, Matlock K, Lathara M, Mussini C, Geller JI, Noakes C, Sloma I, Bharathy N, Cairo S, and Keller C
- Abstract
Relapsed and metastatic hepatoblastoma represents an unmet clinical need with limited chemotherapy treatment options. In a chemical screen, we identified volasertib as an agent with in vitro activity, inhibiting hepatoblastoma cell growth while sparing normal hepatocytes. Volasertib targets PLK1 and prevents the progression of mitosis, resulting in eventual cell death. PLK1 is overexpressed in hepatoblastoma biopsies relative to normal liver tissue. As a potential therapeutic strategy, we tested the combination of volasertib and the relapse-related hepatoblastoma chemotherapeutic irinotecan. We found both in vitro and in vivo efficacy of this combination, which may merit further preclinical investigation and exploration for a clinical trial concept., Competing Interests: CONFLICTS OF INTEREST The authors have no conflicts of interest with respect to the drugs used in this study., (Copyright: Kats et al.)
- Published
- 2019
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